Hearing Augmentation

As you maybe aware since May 1, 2011, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) announced changes for significantly increased areas of coverage from hearing induction loop systems installed within public spaces. These spaces include Class 9b assembly buildings, judicatory venues and ticket booths or counters where the public are shielded from the service provider.

Under the previous BCA requirements, a loop was to cover a minimum of 15% of the floor area (equitably distributed). Under the new rules, this coverage is raised to a minimum of 80% (of the floor area served by an inbuilt amplification system).

The coverage requirements for other forms of hearing augmentation, such as those using Infra-Red receivers, are also laid out in the new document, with a minimum coverage of 95% required. The number of receivers required is also specified, based on various bracketed audience sizes. Hearing augmentation in transport venues has also become part of the BCA, with coverage in various areas called for: eg. Airport check-in, gate lounge and baggage reclaim areas.

The design and installation of the Induction Loops is a very specialised field. This is especially true where specialised requirements have to be met, such as theatres with balconies, very irregularly shaped rooms, large buildings such as sports halls, Cathedrals and similar size churches, concert halls, low-spill systems as noted above. Additional problems occur due to the large amounts of steel incorporated in modern structures, which cause significant losses.

In order to provide an installed system which meets the applicable Australian Standards (AS1428 and AS60118.4-2007) greater attention needs to be given to the site data, loop design and implementation.

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